DNC Chairman Grossman Plans to Step Down

Steve Grossman, the Democratic National Committee chairman who helped lead his party to midterm election gains while helping reduce its huge debt, announced Wednesday that he is stepping down.

Grossman cited his father’s long fight with Parkinson’s disease and a desire to spend more time with his children as primary reasons for leaving. Joe Andrew, chairman of the Indiana Democratic Party, and retiring Rep. Vic Fazio of West Sacramento are among the possible replacements, according to several Democratic officials.

President Clinton praised the outgoing chairman.

“While it is good news for his family, the resignation . . . is a loss for the Democratic Party. Steve has been a leader, a party builder, a prolific fund-raiser and a wonderful friend to Hillary and me.”

“When folks wrote off the Democrats, Steve turned the party around,” said Colorado Gov. Roy Romer, the DNC general chairman, who will remain in that post.

Grossman said he would remain until a new chairman is chosen.

The DNC is scheduled to meet formally to vote in March, but Grossman’s successor is expected to be named long before then. Traditionally, the choice of DNC chairman is the prerogative of the sitting president and is approved by a vote of DNC members. The members will most likely vote before the March meeting, in an emergency meeting or through mail ballots.